William Joseph Hentges

Colonel William Joseph Hentges (Ret.), 75, previously of Sumter SC passed away peacefully Thursday, April 20, 2017, at home in Kennesaw, GA. He was born November 6, 1941, in Jefferson City, Missouri, the son of the late Leroy and Mary (Leuthen) Hentges. He was a graduate of Helias High School, received his bachelors degree from the Air Force Academy, and his masters degree from Troy State University. He was united in marriage to Melba Lee Hoffmeyer on February 20, 1965, in Taos, Missouri. Colonel Hentges served in the United States Air Force for over 26 years as a pilot, instructional pilot, aircraft commander, commander of tactical group, and director of Tactical operations. He had a second career as a high school math and science teacher. He was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Sumter, SC and Saint Catherine of Sienna in Kennesaw, GA. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, camping, playing games and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Melba, Kennesaw, GA; son, John (Kristina) Hentges, Anchorage, AK; daughter, Janet (Glen) Grooms, Marietta, GA; daughter, Beth (Brad) Noland, Roswell, GA and son Jeff (Kelly) Hentges, Rossmoor, CA; his nine grandchildren; and his six siblings, Bob (Martha) Hentges, Jefferson City; Margie (Pete) Rinaldi, Sloan, Iowa; Helen (Carl) Drinkard, California, MO; Frances (Darrell) Schulte, Jefferson City; Richard (Lucille) Hentges, Holts Summit; and Tom (Lynn) Hentges, Edmond, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Hentges. Visitation will be 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 28, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Donald Antweiler officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Confidence Carmelite Monastery Building Fund; 11 West Back St, Savannah, GA 31419. Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.